Wat Thang Sai on Thong Chai hill
Just north of Ban Krut Beach, Wat Thang Sai crowns the ridge of Thong Chai hill. Built in the 1990s, it is topped by nine golden chedis. From the terraces you see the entire curve of Ban Krut Bay. Free to enter.
Phraphut Kiti Sirichai Buddha
Halfway up to Wat Thang Sai, a huge golden Buddha faces the Gulf of Thailand. Built for the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit. Especially beautiful at sunrise or in late afternoon light.
Ban Krut's 12-kilometre beach
Long pale sand beach in two parts — Ban Krut Nuea in the north and Ban Krut Tai in the south — split by Thong Chai hill. Very few vendors, mostly locals and long-stay travellers.
Bo Thong Lang Bay
About 18 kilometres south of Ban Krut. At low tide a sandbar appears and you can walk out towards a small offshore islet. An easy half-day trip by scooter, bicycle or car.
Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong
Steps lead up to caves filled with Buddha images and — for part of the year — a colony of bats. If you like cave temples and slightly eerie atmospheres it's a memorable stop.
Wat Tham Kiriwong
Hides two cave chambers with Buddha images and a reclining golden Buddha. Very few foreign visitors make it here, so you may have the place to yourself.
Bike or scooter trip along the coast
With very little traffic and a beach road that runs for kilometres, Ban Krut is perfect for gentle cycling or scooter days. Detour to small bays, viewpoints and villages.
Wat Ang Thong on the way
If you're driving from Hua Hin or Bangkok along AH2, a tall golden chedi catches the eye from the road and makes a simple but impressive stop to stretch your legs.